Computer recycling charity takes big byte out of landfill

More than 150,000 computers have been saved from landfill by an IT charity which recycles them for use in the developing world.

London-based Computer Aid International announced earlier this month it has saved more than 5,000 tonnes of usable PCs and laptops from being recycled down to component parts or being sent to landfill.

He said: "The government's WEEE Directive prioritises the reuse of equipment over recycling and research has shown it is twenty times better for the environment to re-use a PC.

"As much as 80% of the energy used across a PC's working life is expanded during its manufacture, before it is even switched on for the first time, so by donating to Computer Aid, IT departments can ensure the greenest outcome for their unwanted PCs and laptops."

The charity says it has refurbished more than 150,000 PCs and laptops since 1998 - equal to the weight of 550 double-decker buses.

These have gone to education, health, community and agriculture projects in more than 100 countries, including Chile, Kenya and Zambia.

Major UK organisations such as betting company Betfair, mobile phone company Orange and Virgin have given equipment to the charity as has the government's Department for International Development.